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To date, the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles is the main database of certifications recognized throughout France. As its name indicates, the RNCP is used to list the professional certifications recognized by the State and its partners.
Prior to the appearance of Executive Order No. 2019-14 in January 2019, the RNCP had five certification degrees or RNCP levels. But since then, the classification of certifications has evolved. Currently, there are eight different RNCP levels, the lowest of which is RNCP level 1. This now corresponds to the mastery of basic knowledge.
In summary:
- The RNCP or Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles is the register of certifications and training recognized in France. An RNCP title is a certification recognized by the State that validates the professional experience necessary to exercise a professional activity.
- An RNCP title can be obtained by following an RNCP training within different educational and training institutions.
- ESCE International Business School is one of the major schools that offer RNCP training leading to recognized certifications .
- Prior to the 2019 reform, level 1 of the RNCP corresponded to certifications at the Master’s level and above.
- A level 1 RNCP title in the old classification can lead to positions of responsibility and different training courses.
- A level 1 RNCP title in the current classification corresponds only to the mastery of basic knowledge
What is an RNCP title?
What is the RNCP?
The Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles is a directory dedicated to certifications recognized by the State and its social partners. These social partners include various companies, schools such as ESCE and universities.
Created in 2002, the RNCP currently includes more than 2,000 certifications and just as many professional training programs . These certifications include diplomas, professional certificates or the famous RNCP titles that constitute the core of the repertoire.
What is the RNCP title?
A credential is a certification that can have different values or purposes. When a title is certified, it means that it is recognized by the State and its social partners. The certification also validates the professional purpose of the title.
The RNCP title is a certified title. It is therefore recognized by the State and validates the acquisition of professional skills necessary for the exercise of a professional activity.
What are the differences between an RNCP title, a state diploma and a professional certificate?
The RNCP groups together different certifications that are all recognized throughout France. The most recurrent are the RNCP title, the state diploma and the professional certificate. These certifications differ primarily in their purpose.
The RNCP title and the professional certificate validate professional experience and are recognized in the professional field. On the other hand, the state diploma serves to validate a level of study that is mostly recognized in the academic field.
It should also be noted that there is a difference between the methods of registration in the RNCP of these certifications. Unlike the other two certifications, the state diploma is automatically registered in the directory.
Where can I obtain an RNCP title?
An RNCP title is obtained mainly by following an RNCP training. This type of training is offered by various institutions such as universities or business schools. However, the training to be followed will be different depending on the level and the sector of activity targeted by the RNCP title.
ESCE International Business School offers various RNCP courses that lead to RNCP titles ranging from level 6 to 7.
This certification can also be obtained through the validation of acquired experience.
What does the former level 1 of the RNCP titles correspond to?
The different RNCP levels
Since its creation, the RNCP has classified certifications according to degrees of certification called RNCP levels. Each of these levels corresponds to a level of study that can go up to baccalaureate +8.
Currently, the RNCP classification includes eight levels. But before, there were only 5 and level 1 was the highest. Another difference between the two classifications is that the new one includes levels that are lower than the bachelor’s degree. In order of importance, these are levels 3, 2 and 1.
What does the former level 1 of the RNCP correspond to?
In the old classification, the RNCP level 1 grouped several certifications. These were certifications at the level of Bac+5, 6, 7 and 8. In other words, certifications above the Master’s level up to the Doctorate, PhD and DBA.
These certifications are still valid, however, with the new classification, they correspond to levels 7 and 8. Holders of a level 7 certification can, for example, join the ESCE PhD and ESCE DBA programs.
What does the new level 1 of the RNCP correspond to?
In the new classification in effect since 2019, the RNCP level 1 corresponds to mastery of basic knowledge. In practice, with the new classification, certifications are issued at level 3 and above.
What professional opportunities does a level 1 RNCP title offer?
The opportunities for a level 1 RNCP title depend on the version of the classification used. In simpler terms, the opportunities depend on the academic level of the certification.
A level 1 title in the old classification gives access to the same opportunities as a certification at the level of baccalaureate +5 years or more. It can be RNCP level 7 or 8 training or specific functions with responsibilities. On the other hand, with the level 1 of the current classification, professional opportunities are very limited, if not non-existent. With this level, to enter the professional field, it is necessary to continue your studies.
Updated 19 April 2023